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The cheapest anti aging drink, 6 sleep habits that increase stroke risk and 3 silent deficiencies that cause memory loss
The Sunday Upgrade – A smarter, science-backed start to the week

This week’s highlights

Good Sunday,
Yesterday I had the pleasure to onboard a new client, CEO of one of the top companies in his industry.
Burnout was the topic of our discussion.
You’re a decision maker.
A founder.
An operator.
But lately, something feels off.
You’re losing your edge in meetings. Forgetting names. Re-reading emails.
You wonder: Is this burnout? Or something worse?
This week’s briefing breaks down 4 major brain health blindspots you can fix fast before they become problems that cost you.
Today’s playbook:
→ 6 sleep habits that increase stroke risk
→ Why coffee is still a longevity superfood
→ 3 non-dementia conditions that cause memory loss
→ A turmeric-based gut-brain protocol that treats inflammation

6 sleep habits that increase stroke risk
A study published in Neurology (May 2025) analyzed 4,500 adults aged 62.
They compared those who had experienced strokes with those who hadn’t.
Here’s what the data revealed:
Sleep Behavior | Increased Stroke Risk |
---|---|
<5 hours of sleep/night | 3x higher |
>9 hours of sleep/night | 2x higher |
Snoring | +91% risk |
Snorting/gasping | 3x higher |
Sleep apnea | 3x higher |
Naps >1 hour | +88% risk |
What’s scary? People with 5 or more of these issues had 5x the stroke risk.
How to fix it?
Stick to a fixed wake-up time, even on weekends
Cut alcohol and caffeine within 4 hours of sleep
Get tested for sleep apnea if you snore
Ditch screens 90 minutes before bed
🧠 Pro move: Sleep is the single most important cognitive enhancer you’re ignoring.

Coffee with sugar is… anti aging?
Coffee often gets demonized—especially when it’s not “pure.”
But according to a recent UK Biobank study (171,000+ people), even moderate coffee with sugar was linked to longer life spans.
What they found:
People who drank 1.5–3.5 cups/day lived longer
This held true even when adding sugar (about 1 tsp—not a Frappuccino)
Unsweetened coffee also showed benefits
Artificial sweeteners? Not so much.
Coffee is loaded with antioxidants, polyphenols, and brain-protective compounds. Don’t fear it, optimize it.
Pro tips:
Add collagen, cinnamon, or lion’s mane for functional benefits
If sensitive, try cold brew or L-theanine + espresso to reduce jitters
Hydrate with water before your first cup. Every bite either fuels your brain’s future — or fires its decay.

3 common nutrient deficiencies that cause memory loss
Brain fog. Memory lapses. Trouble focusing.
You might jump to Alzheimer’s.
But according to the latest research, these 3 reversible conditions often present the same symptoms:
1. Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Affects neurotransmitter production & DNA synthesis
Linked to confusion, memory loss, and even paranoia
Elevated homocysteine is a major stroke & dementia risk
2. Vitamin D Deficiency
Vital for synaptic communication and memory
Linked to visual memory decline and mood disorders
Most high-performers are insufficient, especially if working indoors
3. Thyroid Dysfunction
Both hypo and hyperthyroidism cause:
→ Forgetfulness
→ Slowed cognition
→ Emotional volatility
If your cognition feels off, don’t guess. Test these markers:
Homocysteine
Vitamin D (aim for 50+ ng/mL)
B12
TSH, Free T3, Free T4

A food spice that can prevent brain fog
At the 2023 Crohn’s & Colitis Congress, researchers shared this:
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, helped reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis when paired with another herb (QingDai).
It’s also shown to:
Support gut lining
Reduce neuroinflammation
Improve joint and immune function
Why this matters:
Gut inflammation = brain fog
IBS/IBD = higher risk of depression
Curcumin improves gut-brain axis signaling
Use it like this:
Choose bioavailable curcumin (look for piperine or liposomal delivery)
Stack with ginger, omega-3s, and fermented foods
Use daily for 30–60 days for full effect
If someone forwarded this to you, click below.
References
Six Sleep Issues Linked to Higher Stroke Risk
Neurology Journal (May 2025) – Summary via MindBodyGreen:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/these-6-sleep-issues-are-linked-with-higher-risk-of-stroke-or-any-kind-of-issuesCoffee (Even With Sugar) Linked to Longevity Benefits
Annals of Internal Medicine Study – Covered by MindBodyGreen:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/coffee-even-with-sugar-is-linked-to-longevity-benefits-grass-fed-collagenCurcumin for Gut Inflammation and IBD
Crohn’s & Colitis Congress 2023 + clinical review on turmeric/curcumin efficacy:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/woman-having-painful-stomachache-on-bed-menstrual-period-specialized-diet3 Conditions That Mimic Dementia
Cognitive decline linked to nutrient deficiencies, menopause, and thyroid issues — explained via MBG:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/3-conditions-that-cause-cognitive-decline-but-arent-dementia-nutritient-deficiencies
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